Chapter 23 Little Sun Dahua Heals Everything
The boys’ plan was actually quite simple—Everyone would buy a new schoolbag together. No one would be left out — they wouldn’t let Ma Siyi feel different. They all pulled out their saved-up pocket money.
Digging into pockets!
Smashing open piggy banks!
Turning out pants pockets!
“Haikuo! Calculate, how much are we still short?”
“Still short eighty!”
“I’ll cover the rest.”
As soon as Bai Zimo finished speaking, the other three immediately objected.
“Come on, it’s just a few dozen bucks. Let me cover it, save everyone the trouble!”
Xie Wanghe said seriously, “Your good intentions aren’t the same as everyone’s good intentions. Tomorrow we’ll go earn the money together! That’s final. We have to get up early!”
Bai Zimo shrugged, not arguing anymore.
No objections either.
This time, he decided to follow Xie Wanghe’s plan. After all, his sudden “wealth” might shock his friends too much. Bai Zimo figured if they were going to “show off wealth,” they’d better come up with a proper plan where everyone earns money together.
Just as Bai Zimo got home, Dahua came over carrying a clay jar.
“What are you up to?”
“You’ll see soon enough.”
“We need to call Siyi. Here, Zimo, help me hold the jar!”
Dahua looked around, found a brick.
“What are you doing with that?”
“There’s a saying: ‘throwing a stone to test the road!’”
“…You’re throwing such a big stone? Are you sure Siyi won’t pass out?”
“Yeah, maybe that’s a bit too much.”
In these courtyard-style houses, most rooms were on the ground floor. So standing by the window and tapping lightly would be enough to get someone’s attention.
“Come out for a sec!”
“Just come out! Why so many questions?”
Dahua was so bossy, like a little CEO making a grand announcement. Ma Siyi peeked around, then tiptoed and climbed out the window. Bai Zimo helped her jump down.
“Zimo, we’re going to light a stove and melt maltose candy. It’s super tasty. Siyi, you’ll see once you try it!”
Ma Siyi, who was usually reserved, and Dahua, who was full of sunshine, were extreme opposites — but somehow, they became great friends.
“Here, here! Try some first, hehe!”
Bai Zimo also tasted a little. It was super sweet — probably more to girls’ tastes.
“If you passed by this on the street, would you buy it?”
“I’m not into sweets normally.”
Dahua didn’t mind, still asking cheerfully, “Siyi, what do you like eating then?”
“Long fish noodles! My mom makes them.”
“My mom can make that too! Next time we have it, you come over. Grandma Lin can cook too. We’ll have Zimo go fishing.”
Ma Siyi nodded silently.
“Now, we can start planning how to earn our first pot of gold.”
Ma Siyi’s eyes lit up. She’d heard from Bai Zimo that money could solve a lot of troubles.
“And me! Don’t leave me out!”
Dahua was like a little sun, full of love for life, always so passionate and enthusiastic!
“Zimo, I wanna become a little rich lady and pay for you forever!”
“If ordinary people want to turn their life around quickly, they should sleep sideways.”
Inside the house, Grandma Ma smiled warmly. Seeing Siyi happy and opening up — that was all she wished for.
“Seriously though, I thought it over. We can go fishing, catch snails, dig for loaches, and catch eels. Uncle Zhou’s restaurant needs them. Even if not, people at the dock will buy.”
“I think that’s a great idea!”
“If we get a big haul, or if we save up some money, we could even start buying from others and sell it elsewhere through Wanghe’s dad. But that’s more suitable for adults.”
When one day the shipping business on the Grand Canal faces a downturn, those who don’t want to leave the industry must work smarter on goods!
Actually, there were already quite a few clever young workers by the canal — every season had different opportunities, as long as you were willing to work hard.
“Siyi, which subject are you best at?”
“And how’s your essay writing?”
“Then you can help me write essays, and I’ll beat up boys for you! We’ll go to school together, come home together, do homework together.”
“And Zimo’s good at math — he’ll help with math homework too. It’s all settled!”
Bai Zimo was left speechless.
“How is this ‘settled’ just like that? Aren’t you afraid your mom will kill you?”